Hindu Anantha padmanaba vratham Introduction:
Ananta Vrata, dedicated to Lord Shri Maha Vishnu, is a puja performed on the fourteenth day of the first phase (Shukla Paksham) of the Bhadrapada month. Devotees believe that onthis day, Lord Shri Maha Vishnu appears as Ananta Padmanabha. Anatha Padmanabha is Lord Vishnu Anantha Shayana form, during which he reclines on Snake Ananta ( Snake Aadi Seshu).
How to perform Anantha padmanaba vratham
Devotees perform Ananta Vrata to get rid of their sorrows. The word Anantha means endless and they strongly believe that Lord Vishnu will remove all the obstacles and the difficulties in one life, if the Ananta Vrata is performed with devotion It is believed that if any one performs the Ananta Vrata for 14 continuous years, that person will be blessed with happiness and prosperity in the life. Lord Maha Vishnu Anantha Shayana form is worshipped on the day of Anantha Chaturdashi.
The posture of Ananta Shayana Padmanabha Swamy represents the inactive stage of Lord Maha Vishnu. This reclining form indicates Lord Vishnu Yoga Nidra (Meditation). It is believed that reclining on Aadi Seshu, he thinks about the evolution of the worlds and the creation of living beings.
History of Anantha padmanaba vratham:
In some scriptures such as Mahabharata, Anantha Vrata is mentioned as a great observance to get rid of one ‘s sorrows in the life. Lord Shri Krishna advised Yudhishtira (Dharma Raju) to observe Anantha Vrata for 14 years to bring back his kingdom and his whole wealth
Important rituals:
The important ritual during the Vrata is tying of the sacred thread on hand. First, the performers of the Vrata place the threads along with the idol of Lord Anantha padmanabha Swamy to sanctify them. The thread is worshipped by placing kum kum on it. This sacred thread is referred as Anantha Daaram (Daaram means thread). It is made up of 14 threads. Some people make it of 14 knots.
Women tie Anantha Daaram on their left hand and men on their right hand. In some places, devotees make a serpent form of Lord Vishnu, Serpent Anantha, using Dhurva grass blades and they place on a bamboo basket and worship.
